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Melghat Tiger Reserve
is located in Chikhaldara and Dharni tehsils of Amaravati district in Satpura
hill range. This is one of the last remaining habitats of Indian tiger in
Maharashtra.
The Melghat Tiger Reserve was constituted in 1974 and the Directorate of Project
Tiger, Melghat started functioning from 22nd Feb 1974. In view of the
ecological, floral and faunal significance of the region, on 5th Sep 1975, the
Melghat Tiger Reserve was designated a sanctuary.
Flora :
The forest in rugged and hilly area of Melghat is typical Southern dry deciduous
forest. There are 750 species of plants in the area. There are 90 tree species,
66 shrub species, 316 herb species, 56 climbers, 23 sedge species and 99 grass
species. Approximately 50-75 more species have been identified and several more
are expected to identify in the future at the Melghat Tiger Preserve.
Tectona grandis, Ain, Tiwas, Aola, Lendia, Dhawada, Kusum are the important tree
species. Bamboo and Teak is widely spread in the forests. The area is rich in
medicinal plants.
Fauna :
The area is rich in wild mammals including Tiger, Panther, Sloth Bear, Wild Dog,
Jackal, Hyena, Chausinga, Sambar (largest Deer on earth) Gaur, Barking Deer,
Ratel, Flying squirrel, Cheetal (type of Deer), Nilgai, Wild Boar, Langur,
Rhesus Monkey, and Macaque. Also found here are 25 types of fishes and many
varieties of butterflies. |
